If you have a string instrument of any kind that needs fixing, a mistake you made in building a new instrument that you need to "disappear," or a question about the ethics of altering an older instrument, ask here. Please note that it will be much easier for us to help you decide on the best repair method if you post some pictures of the problem.

I'm resetting the neck on an old Yamaha F-110. After steaming out the neck there are milky splotches on the top of the guitar. I assume this is moisture that has penetrated the finish. If this was a nitro finish I would lightly wipe it with denatured alcohol, but this finish is poly something. The alcohol does nothing. any ideas on how to remove the milkiness?

You don't have an F-110, you have a red label FG-110, which is very different, and a pretty good guitar, from the early 70's. This one has a lacquer finish and alcohol will mess it up big time so don't use it. This will wetsand off with 600 grit paper, then buff off. It's on the surface, happens to me too.

You're correct Mark, it is a red label FG-110, but the finish is not lacquer. It's poly. Acetone doesn't phase it. I work with nitro cellulose lacquer everyday. It's the only thing I shoot on my guitars. So I'm familiar with the product. I did manage to get rid of the milkiness however, basically with heat, using a combination of a hair dryer and much buffing.

I stand corrected. After reexamining the finish I believe it is lacquer. I thought I had touched it with acetone, but realized I hadn't. I was basing my assumption on the way it reacted to the alcohol. I lightly touched an inconspicuous spot with acetone and it softened. So my apologies Mark.

I was a little surprised the other day to discover how susceptible lacquer can be to alcohol. I was cleaning up a 70s Fender bass under the pick guard and the alcohol immediately melted the lacquer as if it were shellac.